Work study is a technique used to examine human work and improve efficiency. It involves method study, which examines existing and proposed work methods, and work measurement/time study, which establishes the time taken to complete a specified job. The goal is to develop easier and more effective methods to reduce costs. Key aspects of work study include recording current work processes, critically examining them, developing improved methods, and measuring the time to complete tasks. Maintaining proposed improved methods is also important.
2. WORK STUDY
It is a generic term for those techniques,
method study and work measurement
which are used in the examination of
human work in all its context. And which
lead systematically to the investigation of
all the factors which affect the efficiency
and economy of the situation being
reviewed, in order to effect improvement
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4. WORK STUDY
Method study
It is the systematic recording & critical examination
of existing and proposed ways of doing work, as a
means of developing and applying easier and more
effective methods and reducing cost
Work measurement / Time study
It is the application of techniques designed to
establish the time for a qualified worker to carry out
a specified job at a defined level of performance
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10. METHOD STUDY
10
It is the systematic recording & critical
examination of existing and proposed ways
of doing work, as a means of developing and
applying easier and more effective methods
and reducing cost
16. RECORDING TECHNIQUES - CHARTS
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Primary Information required on the chart
Adequate description of activities
Chart for present or proposed method
Specific reference to when the activities
will begin & end
If applicable, time & distance scales
Name of person & date
17. RECORDING TECHNIQUES - CHARTS
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Macro-motion charts
Operation/Outline process chart
Flow process chart
Multiple activity chart
Two handed process chart
18. RECORDING TECHNIQUES - CHARTS
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Operation/Outline process chart
•Record major activities & inspections
•Operation & Inspection symbol used
25. RECORDING TECHNIQUES - CHARTS
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Flow process chart usefulness:
•Reduce travel distance of man/material
•Avoid waiting time & unnecessary delays
•Reduce cycle time by combining or eliminating
operations
•Fix up the sequence of operations
•Relocate the inspection stages
26. RECORDING TECHNIQUES - CHARTS
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Two handed process chart
(Operator process chart)
•Records activity of workers hand
•Representing sequence of manual activities
of the worker
•Studies work station layout & repetitive task
Inspection – touch/feel by hand is to be recorded
Storage – hand used as a grip or vice to hold the object
28. RECORDING TECHNIQUES - CHARTS
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Multiple activity chart
•Activities of more than one subject (man or
equip.) are each recorded on a common time
scale to show their inter-relationship
•Study idle time of man & machines
•Determing number of machines handled by
one operator
•Determing number of operator required in
teamwork to perform given job
30. MICRO-MOTION STUDY
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Micro-motion/Therbligs
Technique of recording and analyzing the
timing of basic elements of an operation
Developing best possible pattern of
movement; operator performing @ minimum
effort and fatigue, for repeated operations
Consists of taking motion pictures of the
operation with a clock in the picture (or with a
video camera running at a known speed)
31. MICRO-MOTION STUDY
31
Micro-motion/Therbligs
The speed of the camera used ranges from 960
to 1000 frames per minute. But faster cameras
may be used to study very fast hand motions or
complex operations.
Micromotion study should be used when it is
economical to do so (short cycle highly
repetitive operations, large volume production
or operation performed by a large number of
workers)
33. MICRO-MOTION STUDY
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Therbligs
Search (SH) – attempt to find an object using eyes or hand
Find (F) – mental reaction at end of search
Select (ST) – choose among several objects in a group
Grasp (G) – grasp an object
Hold (H) – hold an object
Transport loaded (TL) – move an object with hand and arm
Transport empty (TE) – reach for an object
Position (P) – position object in defined location
Assemble (A) – join two parts
Use (U) – manipulate a tool
Disassemble (DA) – separate multiple parts that were previously joined
Inspect (I) – determine quality of object
Pre-position (PP) – position object for next operation
Release load (RL) – release control of an object
Unavoidable delay (UD) – waiting due to factors beyond worker control
Avoidable delay (AD) – worker waiting
Plan (PN) – decide on an action
Rest (R) – resting to overcome fatigue
34. MICRO-MOTION STUDY
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Micro-motion study involves the following steps:
1)Filming the operation to study
2)Analysis of the data from the films
3)Making recording of the data
(using SIMO chart)
36. MICRO-MOTION STUDY
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Provides a permanent record of motion study on films.
A large number of operators can see the procedure at
any time even after the completion of motion study work.
Films can easily reveal the difference between the
present and the proposed technique.
Films can be demonstrated to large work force at any
desired speed.
It provides very accurate time for each operation or
motion in comparison to stop watch time study.
37. MICRO-MOTION STUDY
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It helps in making detailed and accurate analysis of the
prevailing technique.
To study the activities of the machine and the operator.
To impart training to the workers or operators
regarding motion; economy so that unnecessary movement
by the workers may be avoided.
To study the relationship between the activities of
operator and the machine.
To obtain motion time data for developing synthetic time
standards for various elements.
38. MEMO-MOTION STUDY
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In memomotion study, the camera speed is at
60 or 100 frames per minute
It is a form of time lapsed cine-photography
Time interval lies b/w 1/2sec to 4sec
10 or 20 min. may be compressed into 1min
39. RECORDING TECHNIQUES - DIAGRAMS
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Diagrams
Indicates the path of movement
Study of traffic & frequency over different
routes of plant
Identification of back-tracking & obstacles
during movements
Study of different layout plans & select
optimal layout
40. RECORDING TECHNIQUES - DIAGRAMS
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Flow Diagram
1)Layout of w/p is drawn to scale
2)Relative positions of m/c tools, work benches, etc
are marked
3)Path followed by the subject under study is traced
by drawing lines
4)Each movement is serially numbered and
indicated by arrow for direction
5)Different colors are used to denote different types
of movements
42. RECORDING TECHNIQUES - DIAGRAMS
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String Diagram
String/Thread is used to measure the distance
Records the pattern of movement of a worker
working within a limited area during a certain
period of time
Repetitive movements can be conveniently traced
43. RECORDING TECHNIQUES - DIAGRAMS
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String Diagram
1)Layout of the w/p or factory is drawn to scale on a
soft board
2)Pins are fixed into boards to mark the location of
work stations,
3)Pins are also driven at the turning point of the routes
4)A measured length of thread is taken to trace the
movement (path)
5)The distance covered by the object is obtained by
measuring the remaining part of the thread and
subtracting it from the original length
46. RECORDING TECHNIQUES - DIAGRAMS
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Cycle graph & Chronocycle graph
Both records the motion path of an
operator & requires filming equipment
Movements which are very fast and very
difficult for the human eye to trace are
traced by these techniques
47. RECORDING TECHNIQUES - DIAGRAMS
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Cycle graph
Indicates a permanent
record of the motion pattern
employed in the form of a
closed loop of continuous
line.
It does not indicate the
direction or speed of motion.
48. RECORDING TECHNIQUES - DIAGRAMS
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Chronocycle graph
Indicates short dashes of line spaced in proportion to
the speed of the body member photographed
Wide spacing would represent fast
moves while close spacing would
represent slow moves
Jumbling of dots at one point would
indicate fumbling or hesitation of the body member
Used to study the motion pattern as well as to compute
velocity, acceleration and retardation experienced by the
body member at different locations.
49. CRITICAL EXAMINATION
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A systematic and progressive series of
questions with the purpose of determining true
reasons
Based on the reasons, improvements are found
and adopted into a new method, called better
method
The use of questioning technique reduces the
possibility of missing any information which
may be useful for the development of better
method
50. CRITICAL EXAMINATION
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A popular procedure of carrying out critical
examination uses two sets of questions:
Primary questions (answers to these show up the
necessity of carrying out the activity), &
Secondary questions (answers to these allow
considerations to alternative methods of doing the
activity)
Selection of the best way of doing each activity is
later determined to develop new method which is
introduced as a standard practice.
52. CRITICAL EXAMINATION
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PURPOSE: what is done?
why is it done?
what else might be done?
what should be done?
PLACE: where is it done?
Why is it done there?
Where else might it is done?
Where should it be done?
SECONDARY QUESTIONS
53. CRITICAL EXAMINATION
53
SEQUENCE: When is it done?
Why is it done?
When might it be done?
When should it be done?
PERSON: who does it?
Why does that person do it?
Who else might do it?
Who should do it?
MEANS: How is it done?
Why is it done that way?
How else might it be done?
How should it be done ?
55. DEVELOPMENT & SELECTION OF IMPROVED METHOD
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Eliminate all unnecessary operations
Combine operations & elements
Change the sequence of operations
Simplify the necessary operations
Steps in development & selection
Evaluation (evaluate the alternatives)
Investigation (tech. & eco. feasibility)
Selection
56. PRINCIPLES OF MOTION ECONOMY
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These principles can be considered under three
different groups;
Those related to the use of the human body
Those related to the workplace arrangement
Those related to the design of tools &
equipment
57. PRINCIPLES OF MOTION ECONOMY
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Principles related to the use of human body:
Both hands should begin and end their basic divisions of activity
simultaneously & should not be idle at the same instant, except
during the rest periods
Momentum should be employed to assist the worker wherever
possible, and it should be reduced to a minimum if it must be
overcome by muscular effort
Continuous curved motions should be preferred to straight line
motions involving sudden and sharp changes in the direction
Work that can be done by the feet should be arranged so that it is
done together with work being done by the hands
Twisting motions should be performed with the elbows bent
58. PRINCIPLES OF MOTION ECONOMY
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Principles related to the arrangement & conditions of workplace:
Fixed locations should be provided for all tools and
materials so as to permit the best sequence and eliminate
search and select
Gravity bins and drop delivery should be used to
reduce reach and move times
Use may be made of ejectors for removing finished parts
Work table height should permit work by the operator in
alternately sitting and standing posture
Glare-free adequate illumination, proper ventilation and
proper temperature should be provided
60. PRINCIPLES OF MOTION ECONOMY
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Principles related to the design of tools and equipment:
Use colour, shape or size coding to maximize speed and minimize error
in finding controls
Use simple on/off, either/or indicators whenever possible
All levers, handles, wheels and other control devices should be readily
accessible to the operator and should be designed so as to give the best
possible mechanical advantage
Use quick acting fixture to hold the part/material upon which the work
is being performed
Use stop guides to reduce the control necessary in positioning motions
Operating, set-up and emergency controls should be grouped
according to the function
61. INSTALLATION OF THE PROPOSED METHOD
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Recommendation phase
Implementation phase
62. MAINTAIN THE PROPOSED METHOD
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Follow-up
Monitoring & control
Audit of the savings
Review of the approach
Evaluation of effectiveness of
proposed method
63. WORK MEASUREMENT / TIME STUDY
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The application of techniques designed to
establish the time for a qualified worker to carry
out a specified job at a defined level of
performance
Work measurement refers to the estimation of
standard time for an activity, that is the time
allowed for completing one piece of job by using
the prescribed method. Standard time can be
defined as the time taken by an average
experienced worker for the job with provisions for
delays beyond the worker's control.
64. WORK MEASUREMENT OBJECTIVES
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Comparing alternative methods
Assessing the correct initial manning
Realistic costing
Delivery date of goods
Cost reduction & cost control
Training new employees
Find ineffective time in a process
Evaluate worker's performance
Facilitate operations scheduling
Establish wage incentive schemes
65. WORK MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
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For repetitive work (short work cycle) or non-repetitive work;
Time study (stop watch technique)
Work sampling
Synthetic data
Analytical estimating
Predetermined Motion Time Study
(PMTS)
Note - Time study & Work sampling involve direct observation
while remaining are data-based & analytical in nature
66. WORK MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
66
Techniques Applications Unit of
measurements
Time study Short cycle repetitive jobs.
Widely used for direct work
Centi-minute
(0.01 min)
Work sampling Long cycle jobs Minutes
Synthetic data Short cycle repetitive jobs Centi-minute
Analytical
estimating
Short cycle non-repetitive jobs Minutes
MTM Manual operation confined to
one work centre
TMU (1 TMU =
0.006min)
68. TIME STUDY – BASIC STEPS
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a. Obtaining and recording all available information
about the job, operator and the surrounding conditions
likely to affect the execution of the work
b. Recording the complete description of the method,
breaking down the operation into 'elements'
c. Measuring with a stopwatch and recording the
time taken by the operator to perform each element of
the operation
d. Assessing the rating
e. Extending observed time to 'basic times'
f. Determining the allowances to be made over and
above the basic time for the operation
g. Determining the 'standard time' for the operation
69. TYPES OF ELEMENTS
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A repetitive element
An occasional element
A constant element
A variable element
A manual element
A machine element
Governing element
A foreign element
70. TIME STUDY EQUIPMENT
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There are two methods of timing using
a stop watch. They are:
Fly back or Snap back method
Continuous or Cumulative method
71. TIME STUDY EQUIPMENT
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1. Fly back Method:
Here the stop watch is started at the beginning of the first element. At
the end of the element the reading is noted in the study sheet. At the
same time, the stop watch hand is snapped back to zero. This is done
by pressing down the knob, immediately the knob is released. The
hand starts moving from zero for timing the next element. Thus the
timing for each element found is called observed time.
2. Continuous method:
Here the stop watch is started at the beginning of the first element.
The watch runs Continuously throughout the study. At the end of each
element the watch readings are recorded on the study sheet. The time
for each element is calculated by successive subtraction. The final
reading of the stop watch gives the total time known as observed
time.
72. TIME STUDY EQUIPMENT
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Equipments used to measure time using Stop
watch:
Digital or electronics stop watch
Electronic data collector and computer
Observation board
Observation sheet
Stationary – Pen, Pencil, Eraser, Calculator
73. PERFORMANCE RATING
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Process of adjusting the actual pace of
working of an operator by comparing it with
mental picture of pace of an operator working
at normal speed
Performance rating methods
Speed rating
Westing house method of rating (S,E,C,C)
Synthetic rating (R = P/A)
Objective rating
76. WORK MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
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Work sampling (ratio delay study)
A technique of getting facts about utilization of
machines or human beings through a large number
of instantaneous observations taken at random
time intervals.
The ratio of observations of a given activity to
the total observations approximates the percentage
of time that the process is in that state of activity.
77. WORK MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
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Work sampling
Estimates percent of time a worker
spends on various tasks
Determines how employees allocate
their time
Used to set staffing levels, reassign
duties, estimate costs, and set delay
allowances
78. WORK MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
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Work sampling Procedure
Step 1 . Define the problem.
• Describe the job for which the standard time is to be determined.
• Unambiguously state and discriminate between the two classes of
activities of operator on the job: what are the activities of job that
would entitle him to be in ‘working’ state.
This would imply that when operator will be found engaged in any
activity other than those would entitle him to be in ‘Not Working’
state.
Step 2. Design the sampling plan.
• Estimate satisfactory number of observations to be made.
• Decide on the period of study, e.g. two days, one week, etc.
• Prepare detailed plan for taking the observations.
This will include observation schedule, exact method of observing,
design of observation sheet, route to be followed, particular person
to be observed at the observation time, etc.
79. WORK MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
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Work sampling Procedure
Step 3. Contact the persons concerned and take them in
confidence regarding conduct of the study.
Step 4. Make the observations at the pre-decided random
times about the working/not working state of the operator.
When operator is in working state, determine his
performance rating. Record both on the observation
sheet.
Step 5. Obtain and record other information. This
includes operator's starting time and quitting time of the
day and total number of parts of acceptable quality
produced during the day.
Step 6. Calculate the standard time per piece.
80. WORK MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
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Predetermined Motion Time Study (PMTS)
A procedure that analyzes any manual
activity in terms of basic or fundamental
motions required to perform it.
Each of these motions is assigned a
previously established standard time value
and then the timings for the individual motions
are synthesized to obtain the total time needed
for performing the activity.
81. WORK MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
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Predetermined Motion Time Study (PMTS)
The main use of PMTS lies in the
estimation of time for the performance of a
task before it is performed.
The procedure is particularly useful to
those organizations which do not want
troublesome performance rating to be used
with each study.
82. WORK MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
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Applications of PMTS are for
Determination of job time standards.
Comparing the times for alternative proposed
methods so as to find the economics of the
proposals prior to production run.
Estimation of manpower, equipment and space
requirements prior to setting up the facilities and
start of production.
Developing tentative work layouts for assembly
lines prior to their working in order to minimize the
amount of subsequent re-arrangement and re-
balancing.
83. WORK MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
83
Some commonly used PMT systems are:
Method Time Analysis
Work Factor
Basic Motion Time
Method Time Measurement